Photo Credit: by geralt, Pixabay.com
In our modern society, it’s all about the hustle. But working hard at our jobs doesn’t always lead to the happiness we hope for.
That’s why the intersection of work and mental health is a critical topic in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. A job can profoundly influence one’s mental well-being, for better or worse. Understanding these impacts is essential for fostering a healthier relationship between work and mental health.
A job should ideally contribute positively to your mental health by providing purpose, social connections, and opportunities for growth while ensuring financial stability. However, high-pressure jobs, psychological distress, work-life imbalance, and occupational hazards can negatively impact mental well-being.
Below, we’ll discuss how the work force can mitigate the negative effects and enhance the positive aspects of their work life so that working each day only adds to their life satisfaction and overall well being. Read on to learn more about fostering a healthier relationship between work and mental health.
Positive effects of a job on mental health
In an ideal world, working a job only benefits your mental health by giving you a reason to get out of bed each day and feel excited about doing so. Remember, you spend a significant amount of your life at work!
As The Washington Post puts it, “Most people spend eight hours a day, five days a week, at work. That may not seem like much, but those hours add up. Research has shown the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work, roughly one-third of their lifetime. Considered in aggregate, it becomes clear how work can have such an impact on our lives and mental well-being.”
No wonder our jobs can have such a major impact on our lives, whether we love them or hate them. Read on to consider the wide ranging positive impact a job can have on your mental health.
Sense of purpose and identity
A job often provides individuals with a sense of purpose and identity. It offers a structured routine and a reason to get up in the morning. Having meaningful work can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, especially if you have a career track that warrants achievement, development, learning new skills, and room for growth.
When people feel that their work is valuable and contributes to a larger goal, it can significantly boost their overall happiness and life satisfaction. A healthy work environment feeds your mind and engenders feelings of gratitude, while a workplace you dread can have a major impact in the wrong direction.
Social connections
Workplaces are social environments. The interactions we have with our colleagues, clients, and customers can foster a sense of community and belonging. When they are strong, positive relationships at work can lead to increased feelings of support and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Many people talk about their “work wife” or “work bestie” and it’s nice to have good camaraderie with your coworkers. This social network can be crucial for mental health, providing emotional support during challenging times.
Good work relationships, or at least good relationships with peers or colleagues in the same field (whether or not you actually share the same workplace), is especially important in unique fields or demanding jobs where other loved ones in your life may not fully understand what you’re dealing with. Having people to talk to who truly “get it” is vital.
Skill development and personal growth
Jobs often present opportunities for learning and personal growth. Acquiring new skills and overcoming challenges can boost confidence and resilience, so seek them out as often as you can.
This continuous development can keep the mind engaged and provide a sense of progress, contributing to overall mental well-being. This is healthy for your mental and emotional well being as well as cognitive health and strength.
Financial stability
Financial stability is a significant contributor to mental health, and on the flip side, not having enough money to afford your life is one of the most stressful scenarios people encounter in life. Working to provide for yourself or your family is one of the basic requirements of human survival and thriving.
A steady job provides income, which can alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with financial insecurity. Knowing that one can put food on the table, meet their financial obligations, and support themselves or their family can lead to a more peaceful and less stressful life.
Even better, while money can’t buy happiness, having a bit of extra cash will greatly contribute to your happiness. If you work hard and earn high, you can treat yourself to items beyond basic human survival, pursue outside interests, travel, and reward yourself with the finer things in life.
Negative effects of a job on mental health
While a job is a major indicator of life success and happiness, a job can also lead to severe dissatisfaction in life, especially if the working conditions are not ideal. Unfortunately, while having a job can be the source of a lot of stress relief, it can also be one of life’s biggest stressors.
Below, we take a look at some of the ways a job can have a negative impact on mental health.
Anxiety as a result of high-pressure jobs
High-pressure jobs are characterized by tight deadlines, long hours, heavy workloads, and a lack of recognition or appreciation for all the effort. Obviously, these working conditions can lead to high rates of anxiety.
The constant stress to perform and meet expectations can be overwhelming, leading to chronic stress and burnout. This anxiety can spill over into personal life, affecting overall well-being and relationships, which is a vicious cycle, because the support of family and friends is one of the most necessary components to enduring or overcoming these types of situations.
Psychological distress and depression
Work-related risk factors such as job insecurity, lack of control, and poor working conditions can contribute to psychological distress.
When individuals feel undervalued, unsupported, or uncertain about their job security, it can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression. A toxic work environment, characterized by bullying, harassment, or discrimination, can further exacerbate these feelings.
Some jobs put workers at greater risk of distress than others. The National Library of Medicine reports, “Workers in certain occupations may have elevated risks of psychological distress. … which may be due to characteristics of the occupations rather than employee characteristics, or in addition to them.”
Many people turn to medications like Trintellix or Rexulti when suffering from depression or other mood disorders. Talk to your doctor about whether a prescription depression drug may be right for you.
Work-life imbalance
Jobs that demand excessive hours or constant availability can disrupt work-life balance and contribute to a swift journey to burnout. This imbalance can lead to neglect of personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care, all of which are essential for mental health. Over time, this can result in burnout, fatigue, and a diminished quality of life.
As CCOHS defines it, “Work-life balance is a state of well-being that allows a person to effectively manage multiple responsibilities at work, at home and in their community. Work-life balance is different for everyone and it supports physical, emotional, family and community health and does so without grief, stress, or negative impact.”
The site also says that work-life balance is “present in a workplace where there is recognition of the need for balance between the demands of work, family, and personal life.”
It’s essential because it makes employees happier both at work and at home, reduces stress across the many roles each person must play, allows staff to maintain their focus at work, and improves employee well being and job performance.
If you’re suffering from a lack of work-life balance, consider your other options. Start by talking to your boss about how you may be able to shift your work obligations or find a better balance between your work life and your life outside of work. If your boss is not receptive, it may be time to look into other companies or lines of work.
Remember, at the end of the day, a job should contribute to your life happiness, success, and satisfaction. If you live to work, instead of work to live, you may find your priorities out of whack.
Occupational hazards and physical health risks
Certain jobs pose physical health risks, which can indirectly affect mental health. For example, jobs that involve manual labor, exposure to hazardous materials, high-risk situations, or dramatic or chaotic encounters can lead to chronic pain, injuries, or health conditions. These physical ailments can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Tips for maintaining mental health at work
If your mental health is suffering because of your work, the answer is not necessarily to quit your job and uproot your life. Instead, explore other options around how you may be able to better protect your mental health at work, or develop hobbies and interests outside of work that relax and refresh you to be ready to go into the office or job site the next day.
Set healthy boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking work emails or taking calls outside of working hours. Some jobs make this easier than others, but at the end of the day, doing more than you’re paid to do can lead to feelings of resentment. This separation is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring that personal time is protected. It’s also important to set boundaries with coworkers.
Seek support
Utilize available support systems, whether through workplace resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or external support networks. Talking to a trusted colleague, friend, or mental health professional can provide much-needed relief and perspective.
In addition, open and honest communication with supervisors and colleagues can address issues before they escalate. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need support, don’t hesitate to speak up. A supportive work environment encourages dialogue and fosters understanding and cooperation.
If you trust and respect your boss, they may also be a good resource, especially if they have been in your shoes before.
Practice self-care
Incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. This can include physical activities like exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and hobbies that bring joy and relaxation.
For example, consider making your lunch hour a walking lunch. Pack a healthy, nourishing meal you can eat quickly instead of turning to fast-food or greasy restaurant options. Then, spend at least 15 minutes doing a brisk, gentle walk. Not only will it help balance your blood sugar after eating, it will release endorphins to add a little bit of light exercise into your day. You can also consider walking or biking to work when the weather is cooperative.
Prioritizing self-care can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
Continuous learning and development
Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay motivated and engaged. Pursuing new skills and knowledge can increase job satisfaction and reduce feelings of stagnation.
Imagine how delighted your boss would be if you told them you want to continue your professional development and become an even more valuable employee to them. You may earn a promotion, or certainly recognition from higher-ups. Not only that, you may find new areas of interest in your field that remind you why you chose your industry in the first place.
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